Chicago Bears Quietly Love What They've Seen From Undrafted Rookie

Probably the biggest surprise of the 2024 summer is how impactful the Chicago Bears' undrafted class has been. Jamree Kromah had three pressures in the win over Buffalo. Tight end Brendan Bates has three catches for 63 yards. Cornerback Reddy Steward has two tackles for a loss, including a 4th down stop. Defensive tackle Deshaun Mallory had a key pressure that led to a pick-six. Ian Wheeler scored two touchdowns to put the Bills game away. There is a lot for GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus to be excited about.

However, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, another name many have overlooked also has the team's attention.

"Offensive lineman Ryan Bates has shown the Bears what they were hoping to get two years ago when they originally tried to acquire him. Cornerback Terell Smith has had a nice camp and the team seems pretty comfortable with him as the first guy off the bench on the outside. I’d add undrafted rookie linebacker Carl Jones Jr. to the list too. Don’t know if he makes the roster, but he has impressed and folks have taken notice."

Jones Jr. was a hybrid player for UCLA, operating as both a defensive lineman and an outside linebacker. He never played off-the-ball linebacker before signing with the Bears, so it was understood that he'd be making that transition. Since then, he has 11 tackles, a pressure, and a special teams tackle in two appearances. His high energy, consistent effort, and ability to find the football have stood out.

The Chicago Bears have a logjam at linebacker.

They already know the starting lineup is set with T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Jack Sanborn. Amen Ogbongbemiga has special teams value, and Micah Baskerville had the pick-six against Buffalo. Former 5th round pick Noah Sewell is also in the mix. That is a tall mountain for an undrafted rookie to climb, especially one who is trying to master a new position. If Jones wants to defy the odds, it will likely come down to his play on special teams. His tackle last Saturday sure helped his case.

This serves as another reminder that the Chicago Bears have gotten a lot better at scouting undrafted talents. It feels like a small collection of guys rise to crack the roster every year and make legitimate contributions. Sanborn did in 2022. Tyson Bagent did last year. Maybe Jones Jr. can join those ranks. He has two preseason games left. If he can find a way to make a big play, it might be the final boost he needs to get over the hump.